Episode 231: High Risk: What Weed is Doing to Young Brains
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Fostering Voices returns with an important conversation about marijuana use among young adults and why the growing normalization of cannabis may carry deeper consequences than many realize. Brian and Kim explore the impact legalization has had on youth, especially those connected to foster care, housing instability, and mental health challenges. This episode examines emerging research linking cannabis use to increased risks for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, school disruption, impaired driving, and long-term instability. The discussion also highlights...
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Episode 230: A Grown Up Love Story: Adoption after Later Stages
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Today, we’re joined by Leah and Brian from the Gift of Adoption Fund to explore how families are supported as they welcome youth who have faced adversity into permanent, loving homes. With more than 6,500 children served and over $22 million in adoption funding provided, their work is creating tangible pathways to stability and belonging. While many people associate adoption with infants, this conversation broadens the lens to highlight critical needs within our communities. Leah and Brian share their personal journeys into adoption advocacy, what drew them to this work, and the...
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Episode 229: ENOLA: You're Not Alone
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Isolation is one of the most consistent challenges we hear from the young adults we serve. Many feel like they are navigating life on their own, and that sense of disconnection doesn’t just affect them—it impacts their families as well. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to break that isolation and how we can step in with meaningful support. We’re joined by Wendi Cross, author of Not Forgotten and CEO of xHope. Wendi shares how her personal journey—including adoption, ministry, and building community—shaped her passion for helping others experience connection....
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Episode 228: Empowering Vulnerable Youth in Uncertain Times - Estefana Johnson
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In a time marked by division and uncertainty, today’s conversation confronts a hard reality. Many of the youth we care about are struggling to find their footing. Fragmentation across culture, ideology, and community has not just created tension. It has created confusion for young people trying to navigate identity, belonging, and direction. Ignoring it is not an option. This episode invites a direct and honest discussion about what we are seeing on the ground. As adults, whether leaders, parents, mentors, or caregivers, we carry a responsibility to move beyond observation and...
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Episode 227: Finding Strength in Our Shared Stories
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, we explore how parents and caregivers can find strength, encouragement, and resilience through shared experiences with others who understand their journey. Parenting—especially within the foster care community—can sometimes feel isolating, but connection with others who have walked a similar path can provide the support and perspective families need to keep moving forward. Joining the conversation is Ricky Denwood, who has served the foster care community in many roles. As a foster parent, adoptive dad, parent trainer, and community advocate, Ricky brings both...
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Episode 226: Crisis Intersection: Policing with Compassion
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: When a mental health crisis escalates to the point of police involvement, most families feel overwhelmed, unprepared, and unsure of what happens next. In this episode, we step into that difficult space with clarity and practical guidance. Youth mental health concerns are rising at alarming rates. Data from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that 40% of high school students report persistent sadness or hopelessness, and 18% have experienced major depression. At the same time, 53% of public schools report an increase in students seeking mental health support. For youth who have...
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Episode 225: Navigating Connection in Out-of-Home Placement
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: When a child can’t stay at home, families are often left asking one painful question: how do we stay connected without making things harder? In this episode, we talk about how families can stay emotionally connected when a child is placed in out-of-home care. Whether a child is receiving temporary services or more intensive wrap-around support, separation from the home can be one of the most challenging experiences for families—especially those connected to foster care, residential treatment, or therapeutic services. We’re joined by returning guest Estefana Johnson, a licensed...
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Episode 224: Focus In, Freak Out Less
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode of the Fostering Voices podcast, Brian and Kim explore what happens when we shift our focus inward—toward what we can control, what we need, and how we choose to respond—and how that shift shapes our relationships with others. They kick things off with a few real-life moments we can all relate to, from navigating chaotic drivers to the unique stress of New Year’s Eve, using these everyday experiences as a springboard for deeper reflection. From there, the conversation turns toward intentionality: how we want to show up in the world, the power of choosing our...
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Episode 223: The Unofficial 2025 Recap - Vehon Version
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Happy 2026! In this reflective kickoff episode, Brian and Kim look back on 2025 through their shared perspective as the Vehons—an honest conversation about a year that taught them deeply, stretched them unexpectedly, and surprised them with moments of real joy. Together, they unpack what 2025 revealed: the lessons that shaped them, the challenges that pushed them beyond their comfort zones, and the places where joy showed up in meaningful ways. From there, they turn the corner toward the new year, naming what they are intentionally carrying forward into 2026—and what they are...
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Episode 222: Trauma Parenting Will Expose Your Scars
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, you’re invited into a personal, honest conversation about what really happens when you say yes to trauma parenting. Peter Mutabazi joins you for a heartfelt discussion about why fostering doesn’t just change the lives of children—it changes the adults who step in for them. If you’re fostering now or considering stepping into this world, this episode speaks directly to you. Peter shares how his journey began as a ten-year-old homeless child in Uganda and how the kindness of others shaped the man he is today. He opens up about becoming a foster parent to more...
info_outlineEpisode 33 is another great one, featuring an interview with the delightful and smart Maggie Zehring.
But before we dive into the goodness of that interview, Chris and I got stuck in the intro about the number 33, and what it has meant to Chris in his life.
We referenced Larry Bird, who was in fact from French Lick, Indiana, as Chris mentioned. But he was actually born in West Baden Springs, Indiana.
Patrick Ewing had some very colorful shoes when I was in High School (which was 20 years ago), and shockingly still sells them! This is brand new information! You can buy some here if you are interested. But if you want to be true to the fashion of 1990s, your jeans better be gigantic, and the same color as the shoes.
Now, onto the interview!
The basics about our guest today: Maggie is married to a great guy named Nick. Together they have 2 bio baby boys, and a foster son smack dab in the middle of the boys. The kids are all 8 months apart. And the eldest isn't even 3 yet. And Maggie is pregnant. And adorable.
You can learn more about Maggie on her website. And find her on Instagram.
My first encounter with her was when I read an article she had written for 'Raising Arizona Kids', when I was at the doctor's office. The article caught my attention because it was by a mom who was raising 3 kids 2 and under, and I just thought "that woman is crazy", and now I know for a fact that I was correct. :)
She has some really great resources on her website for foster parents, including a downloadable version of the letter she sent out to her support system as they were getting ready to foster. As well as copies of letters to bio parents, and a master spreadsheet for foster parents. You can find them all here.
Maggie also mentioned the awesome book "The Connected Child" by the late Dr. Karen Purvis, and it is incredible. Maggie gave a copy to her family members so they could have an idea of how to help care for foster children as well.
Maggie's family is licensed through Arizona Baptist Children's Services, and as an agency they do not have any rules about fostering while pursuing pregnancy, which some other agencies do.
She said that one of the difficulties she has had in her foster care journey has been the unmet expectations, which is common to many foster families. Especially when you hear that something, and believe it is a 'rule', only to find out it is not. For example, she believed that a child's time in care was a determining factor to a case, and it is not. It's sometimes hard to tell what are determining factors in any case...
A key to her family's success in fostering, has been her wrap team. Which is just her support system. We believe that this is a major game changer for foster families as well, so if you are considering getting into foster care, make sure you have people who know what you are getting into, and who are willing to support you in it.
Maggie also mentioned ACEs, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and you can take the test and find out what it all means here. Or just google it. There is A LOT of information about it.
Maggie's husband, Nick, is an awesome dad and husband, and he gives Maggie every Saturday morning to herself so that she can write, and get work done, all by herself! Way to go Nick. That is truly a gift that keeps on giving!
The (Good) Word of the Day:
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ "
-Matthew 25:21
This verse simply calls us to be FAITHFUL servants. Not happy servants. Not well rested servants. Just faithful ones.
And, our reward for being faithful servants is our master's happiness. Not great riches, or lots of sleep.
Thank you Maggie for sharing this verse, and your story with us!
We hope you enjoy this episode, and we will see you again next week!
If you want to connect on Social Media, you can find me at:
Jihae Watson on Facebook
Fostering Voices on Instagram
Jihae Watson on Instagram
AND we would LOVE it if you would leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast so we can share these voices from the foster care and adoption community!